Kantarawaddy Times
Since the morning of June 2, a joint force of approximately 1,000 troops from the Military junta and the PNO (Pa-O National Organization) launched an offensive into the village of Yay Pu, located on the eastern shore of Pekhon Lake in southern Shan State. Currently, the column has taken positions around the Taung Po Kwel junction.
As a result of this offensive, revolutionary forces have had to withdraw from about four territories since June 2 up to June 13, according to a commander from one of the revolutionary forces.
“We had to withdraw from four locations, such as Yay Pu, Nyaung Lay Pin, Nan Tot, and Taung Po Kwel,” one of the revolutionary commanders told Kantarawaddy Times.
Because of the ongoing battles between revolutionary allied forces and the joint Military Junta–PNO troops, approximately 15 villages on the eastern shore of Pekhon Lake have been forced to flee.
“We’ve seen mass displacement from about 14 to 15 villages, including Saung Nan Khe, Lwel Paw, Nan Paw Lon, Nan Swut, and Painne Kone. There is a severe shortage of basic necessities,” said Ko Andrew, a volunteer assisting displaced people on the eastern shore.
The affected villages include Saung Nan Khe, Lwel Paw, Nan Paw Lon, Nan Som, Painne Kone, Yay Pu, Nyaung Lay Pin, Nan Tot, Kone Thar, Taung Po Kwel, Hopan (East), Hopan (West), La Hel, Ma Khay Kham, and Taung Po Gyi. Residents from all these areas have fled.
Ko Andrew explained that the displaced people are facing major challenges such as shortages of food, shelter, and protective cover from the rain.
“There are so many difficulties, including food shortages, lack of medicine, no proper shelters or tarpaulins to protect from the rain. Some have fled to the western shore, while others are staying temporarily in nearby shelters or villages,” he said.
Currently, the Military Junta and PNO troops have taken over the areas vacated by revolutionary forces. There have not yet been any new battles. However, revolutionary forces say clashes could happen at any time.
Military junta troops are now operating in three columns such one from Yay Pu, one from Moebye, and one from Kone Thar. Because the eastern shore of Pekhon is now stuck between these advancing forces, the remaining civilians must remain highly alert, said an official from Battalion 34 of the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF).
“The villages that still have residents need to be extra cautious. Forces are advancing from Yay Pu, Kone Thar, and Moebye, and the eastern shore is now surrounded on three sides,” he said.
On the morning of June 6, a 19-year-old student from Nan Paw Lon village on the eastern shore of Pekhon was killed by artillery fire from the Military junta. On June 7, a child aged eight was injured due to shelling by the 422nd Infantry Battalion based in Moebye.
On the night of June 10, military troops launched drone strikes inside villages. Therefore, many residential homes were damaged, according to Ko Andrew.
“There was a drone attack on the 10th. Residential homes were damaged. Hundreds of people, including IDPs and locals, were in the area when the attack happened around 11 PM,” he said.
As this displacement occurs during the rainy season, which is very important for farming, it leads to a significant loss for local farmers.
A resident who remains in the village said that this disruption during planting season is extremely worrying.
“The rainy season is here, and it’s time for planting. Some had already planted, others were in the process. Now that the military is advancing, there are serious concerns about future food security,” the villager said.
On June 9, the PNO carried out a bombing on the Kayan New Land Party’s Gate in Saung Nan Khe village, Pekhon Township, southern Shan State. As a result, three Kayan New Land Party’s police officers were injured, and one later died while receiving treatment.
